A large group of former Antioch Company employees has filed a lawsuit against company leaders, charging that in recent years those leaders placed their own financial interests before the welfare of the company as a whole, leading to actions that forced the company into bankruptcy and the loss of more than $20 million in employees’ retirement funds.

At their Oct. 8 meeting, school board members discussed the updated five-year financial forecast in the light of current economic difficulties.

District Treasurer Joy Kitzmiller and Interim Superintendent Tony Armocida are recommending that the district seek a levy renewal in May 2010, at the same level as the current levy, which according to Kitzmiller, has remained constant for 10 years.

While the turbulent economic climate has affected all regions of the country, some municipalities are faring better than others. So far, Yellow Springs seems to be one of the relatively fortunate towns, as most of the largest employers in Yellow Springs report overall stability, even as they face the coming year with caution.

After almost a year of considering alternative paths, leaders of The Antioch Company last Wednesday, Nov. 12, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and reached an agreement with lenders on how to handle the company’s debt.

The year 2008 has been a momentous time of change for The Antioch Company and its leaders. With the sale of Antioch Publishing, Lee Morgan’s retirement as president and CEO of the company in June, and his wife Vicki Morgan’s retirement two months prior…

The Antioch Company officially sold the Antioch Publishing Company to an Indiana-based business last week. Antioch Publishing comprises about 5 percent of the Antioch Company’s total business and the sale will not have a big effect on the manufacturing operations in Yellow Springs…